College football Top 25 countdown: No. 23 Kansas State

QB Collin Klein rushed for a record 27 touchdowns, but he will need to pass more this season to contend for a Big 12 title.

QB Collin Klein rushed for a record 27 touchdowns, but he will need to pass more this season to contend for a Big 12 title.

Photo: AP

Photo: AP

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QB Collin Klein rushed for a record 27 touchdowns, but he will need to pass more this season to contend for a Big 12 title.

QB Collin Klein rushed for a record 27 touchdowns, but he will need to pass more this season to contend for a Big 12 title.

Photo: AP

College football Top 25 countdown: No. 23 Kansas State

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Express-News college football beat writer Tim Griffin is offering a daily look at his choices for the preseason Top 25:

Wily Bill Snyder has been confounding expectations throughout his legendary career. After starting last season 7-0 and squeaking through a series of tight victories, more passing will be expected from Collin Klein if KSU wants to contend for a Big 12 title.

Coach: Bill Snyder (21st season, 159-83-1 career record)

Last year: 10-3, 7-2 in Big 12 (second place), including 29-16 loss to Arkansas in the Cotton Bowl. Ranked 15th in final Associated Press, 16th in ESPN/USA Today coaches' poll, 19th in final Sagarin ratings, eighth in schedule strength.

Strengths: Klein is one of the nation's most underrated players, a tough inside runner who looks like he should be playing in a single-wing offense. The team matches Klein's grittiness after winning four games last season where they trailed in the fourth quarter.

Weaknesses: KSU will be young in the trenches after losing three starting offensive linemen and replacing them with two projected freshmen starters.

Biggest game: West Virginia. The Wildcats' trip to Morgantown will be coming before their killer finish. A victory over the Mountaineers could give the Wildcats a momentum surge heading down the stretch.

BCS bound if: The young line surprises, Klein stays healthy and Snyder continues his magical knack of winning tight games.

Doomed for December bowl if: The run-heavy offense doesn't diversify, a young defense plays down to its experience or if Klein receives a significant injury.

It's a fact: Klein set an FBS record for quarterbacks with 27 rushing touchdowns last season.